Prudential is exiting the long term care field on 3/31/2012.  John Hancock policy owners are realizing a 30-90% rate increase on customers existing policies.  What is happening? 1. Insurance companies assumed their reserves would rise at 7.5% per year.  That didn’t happen. 2. They had a lower lapse rate.  This means that fewer people dropped [...]

At a recent informative presentation, Judith Mauer, CEO of Low Load Insurance Services presented some tips on applying for insurance (any type including life insurance and long term care).  After going through the underwriting process for the various forms of insurance, she highlighted two items for anyone who is seeking new insurance coverage to consider:  Be [...]

Many Americans are relieved that lawmakers have agreed upon a deal to raise the debt ceiling. These Americans include the seniors whom were worried about their Medicare and Social Security but now believe they can rest assured that the issue has been resolved. But, although a deal has been made, there are still several areas [...]

We are becoming more aware that a lot of Americans are not financially prepared to fund their own retirement, especially with the recent headlines. The difference between being able to afford retirement and not, can be surprisingly thin if you know the right levers to push. A recent article in SmartMoney magazine illustrates the point [...]

The recent market meltdown actually aided the sales of permanent life insurance. Insurance agents are known for promoting permanent life insurance because of its key features such as the savings account supplementing the insurance policy. Safety has been the biggest part of their pitch because of the bond-heavy investing strategy that permanent life provides. Is [...]

Roth IRA conversions aren’t the news of the day any longer, but they are still a great financial tool for many.  Thanks to Obama extending the Bush tax cuts, individuals considering a Roth conversion are paying their “tax dues” at attractively low rates.  The pros and cons of a Roth conversion does usually involved a complex [...]

A new study by T. Rowe Price draws an interesting lesson on investing: the best strategy to surviving big stock market losses is to cut spending for about three years after bear markets.  The study looked at investors who retired on 1/1/2000 with a portolio of 55% in equities and 45% in bonds, taking monthly [...]

The news from Japan should, first and foremost, be viewed as a human tragedy of horrific proportions. We extend our prayers to the people affected by the earthquake, tsunami and nuclear reactor crises in Fukushima.  The American people are really stepping up to the plate by pledging their support for the humanitarian efforts.  The easiest [...]

You may not be aware that we are licensed for insurance.  We do this so that we can provide advice on insurance products, though we never have - nor ever will - sell life insurance or any other commission product.  However, since we are licensed, we receive dozens of spam e-mail via sold lists of insurance providers, which we don’t mind since it [...]

Given all the attention that Roth Conversions have garner this year, many people are surprised to learn that Roth Conversions have actually been allowed for quite some time now.  However, the year 2010 provides the opportunity for individuals/couples with modified adjusted gross income over $100,000 (who were previously ‘disqualified’ from doing conversions) to join in the [...]